Kiev [Ukraine], October 26: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has again urgently urged the US to deliver promised air defence missiles, after the restoration of Starlink satellite internet. "There are still shipments we are waiting for," Zelensky said in a video message.
"They include packages from the US as well as from our European partners. These are shipments for which political decisions have been made."
Zelensky had repeatedly complained in recent days that the US was not delivering promised and paid-for missiles. Ukraine says it mainly needs air-defence missiles for Patriot systems to protect itself against Russian ballistic missile attacks.
Zelensky, however, has claimed a success after days of criticism over the throttling of US satellite internet, which is important for Ukraine's air defence.
"The most important thing today is that Starlink and Starshield operations have been restored to the speeds we had before all the restrictions," he said. "This is crucial. This really matters: for our frontline logistics, for defending Ukraine against jet-powered 'Shaheds.'"
Zelensky thanked members of Congress, senators, the media, the US State Department and the president in Washington. Earlier Saturday morning, Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara had said the system was working again.
Zelensky: Hope for Oleshky on front line after US mediation Zelensky also confirmed that aid is due next week in Oleshky, a frontline town in the part of Ukraine's Kherson region controlled by Russia, after US mediation of a local ceasefire.
"We hope we will manage to carry out this humanitarian operation," he said. The aim is to grant access to Oleshky so that food and medicine can be delivered and people can leave the combat zone.
"Ukraine will do its part. We expect US mediation to succeed," Zelensky said. He said the situation there was extremely difficult because roads were mined.
Russia had said the ceasefire should apply fromTuesday. Under that arrangement, mines should be removed to create a safe corridor.
Source: Qatar Tribune